NUKE moms

JayDee659 - The pool sounds great!!  

Mama Bear - Glad to have you here. I posted a note on your my page and also sent you a friend request. 

Welcome to our newest member ~ Mama Bear!

Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page.  Lots of good info there.  Also take a look at the Pages (19) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all".  And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule".  And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Shortcake – I owe you my thoughts on traveling from California to Goose Creek.

Remember -- my experiences are all BEFORE COVID & we are retired with time & flexibility.

My husband & I have gone twice: to drive our son’s car to him (November) & to A-school graduation two months later (flying). In between, he came home for the holidays so we saw him three times in three months; the last time was nearly a year ago. We hoped to go back twice more but PS grad was held without guests and Proto-type is too soon to be safe. I do hope he finally gets some leave before he goes to the fleet.

As for driving, it is a long-way – one-way is at least 2,500 miles! We took our time, leaving  Southern California early on a Wednesday & arriving in Goose Creek at noon the following Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving). We specifically chose this time of year to have the long weekend all together. To my knowledge he didn’t have to do a chit as this was just long liberty. We did between 300 & 700 miles a day with two nights in Memphis & other sight-seeing along the way. Your husband is correct- weather could be a factor, depending on your route & time of year. We had hard rain in Arizona and heavy snow all across New Mexico. Also, the days were short, getting very dark by 5 pm. We flew home on Monday evening.

For flying – things are so different now, I don’t know what to say. Personally, I prefer to fly as direct as possible, even if it costs more. Different airlines have different routes & who knows who will still be flying to Charleston.

• Going east, I prefer early morning flights to get there by late afternoon. We went red-eye for A-school (the shortest, most direct option left with just two weeks’ notice); however, we lost most of the next day to sleep, finally joined our sailor for dinner.
• Flying west, we usually take late afternoon or evening flights that get us home by midnight. My husband doesn’t like to get up early & I usually like the extra time to explore. In GC, later flights mean more sitting around if we said our good-byes the day before. (Different topic-what to see & do around Charleston & where things are).

I researched the train but it is complicated & long.

I hope this helps you a little. I know you really want to see your child. Every situation is different.

For all the Moms – to parrot other moms - our kids are growing up and into their own lives, whether we like it or not.  From the morning after BC grad, I have had bittersweet feelings of being happy that he has found his niche with like-minded buddies mixed with the sadness of losing his full attention. I have also experienced this on our visits when I planned to be there for all of his “free” time. We had wonderful times together but we also found ourselves alone at the hotel when he preferred to study or game with his friends. Each visit, he has napped, the deep peaceful sleep when the pressure lifts; I like to think it was our presence too. I am happy that he is making his own life; he is one of the older nuke students; many of his local friends have moved on with limited time for him when he does come home.

Chipmunk, same here with cross-stitching. I made countless, mostly birth samplers, for almost everyone I knew. It all stopped when my son was born; now can’t seem to find the motivation plus the eyes are getting worse. I think I still have the Peanuts pattern.  

JayDee - Knee replacement - oh no!  Is this because of your years of skiing?  The pool will definitely be much easier on you.  Keep us posted.  And thanks for joining C's Color Street group.  I'm having so much fun with them!

Canuka - I bought a small kit last year that had a lighthouse and a scripture that I wanted to make for my sailor. But it said I needed to prewash my thread as it was not guaranteed color -fast. You wouldn't think that minor of a thing would keep me from getting started o n it but it has. I never had to to that before. 

Welcome to our newest members ~ Wintergirls and MyEVERYTHING#13!

Please be sure to read the ***NEW MEMBERS*** info at the top of the page.  Lots of good info there.  Also take a look at the Pages (19) to the right under the member profiles - be sure to hit "view all".  And the discussion forum above has some good info too - be sure to read Chipmunks "Nuke A School Daily Schedule".  And of course, feel free to ask any questions you may have.

B'sNukeMom yeah, probably skiing. :(. I also have a stress fracture in my left foot. Last few days of trying to pack are getting challenging! 

Live that C is doing Colorstreet!  I've always been a nail artist but sometimes it's just easier to use the colorstreet. It's fool proof! 

Sigh "love" 

Good morning Ladies: I have fought with the idea of coming on here, don't want to get to involved if my son doesn't finish the Nuclear program, but the wisdom of my good friend Chipmunk has help me with this. My son is struggling and deep down I knew it. His lack of communication speaks volumes of what is truly going on. He has failed the math part of the program and will likely be rolled back. He had been out of school for 8 years and when he went in to this program I was doubtful about his abilities but when he was a babe I laid him at the feet of Jesus and asked him to use him according to His plan. I don't know what the plan is and believe me I have questioned it a multitude of times. There has been times in that 27 years I haven't been too proud of him but I never gave up on God's promises. All the trials in his life has molded him and he has risen above them and I know this also is one of these trials. It is so scary to not be able to help him, not that I am smart enough to be any kind of help but my Love for him is strong. That Love has put him in the only Arms I trust him in The Lords. Whatever His plans are for him I am trusting Him and praising Him. With Him nothing is Impossible, His Plan Is Perfect! This nuclear path is not only very difficult for them, it is a nightmare for us moms too, please fill us with Your Grace to handle it.

Winter girls and MyEverything#13 - Welcome to the Nuke Moms group. I am on both this one and the BC Moms group. We are glad you are here. Beginning this journey of Navy life and then Nuke life is not for the faint of heart for either you or your loved one!!  

My discussion above that B'sNukeMom mentioned, is a good read for your too be Nuke. It may not paint as vivid of a picture but I know before my son joined we went searching for anything and everything that we could find and still there were gaps.  Nuke school, life on a sub - probably harder (in my own opinion) - life on a ship for a Nuke, especially if they are doing underway or out on deployment can be long and hard. That is the reality of it, and often it is not painted in such light with the recruiters - So, just a heads up!

We are here for you, both from pre-BC all the way through! The more you reach out and interact, the more you will find friends to connect with on this site and glean from us. 

Northwoodsmom - praying for your sailor - that post I mentioned privately - well it has to wait until later - the sun is shining and I have to get busy. Everyone have a wonderful day!!

I'm so sorry that your son is struggling with the math, Northwoodsmom, I can definitely relate because mine has had some times where I though he wouldn't make it through the pipeline. I'm happy to say that he has qualified in prototype, so not sure how long before he drives across country to San Diego. Hoping he can stop here for several days since we're on the way.

Northwoodsmom - I'm sorry to hear that your son is struggling with math and hope that everything works out for him. You know... the life of a sailor, whether on a ship or a sub... is difficult. Long stretches of not seeing family and friends... long work hours... sometimes 7 days a week and the continual stress and driving on quals and learning with very little free time to meet new people (hard for everyone in this pandemic) and just keep your head above water is draining. They need a way to re-charge their batteries and that didn't happen for many at the holidays. I pray every night for good things for our sailors... peace of mind, relaxation and lifetime friendships that can see them thru the tough times. I have no answers... just faith and hope.

Happy New Year everyone!

I have not been on for a while started November  since I died with my month end report and year end audit and Federal compliance. But definitely reading all your posts. 

Chipmunk - I just seen my page and you have 2 inbox(es). I’m so sorry you know very well I didn’t mean to ignore you. Ohh please keep writing. I think I’ll share you my phone number so call if you have something I need to be done or read lol 

Northwoodsmom - I know very well how we worry for our child/children. I know very well how you feel. I have nothing to say but you were right God has a perfect plan for your son. I am praying for you and for your son. Like what we’ve read here, he can ask help with his group and instructors. Hug tight 

Update with my sailor- Nov we went there and visit him was in high spirit, but starting Oct told me he’s busy. Will only call to update on weekends. Come November he called to check on us as we drove back home and the next call was the weekend of Thanksgiving. I even begged him to text HEY just to make sure he’s there!  I was just so thankful that he made home for the holidays and that was 2 weeks! Learned that he was seeing a girl (not a sailor)  who also is dating another Nuke. Arrgh Grrr The reason of being quiet and not really about school!!

Today is my son’s comp. please say a prayer for him and his class. It should be done by now (?) and waiting for the result.

helena2000 - Congratulations to your son!!

Gigi - You are fine. I probably replied knowing you were busy and would read when I got to them. I am sorry that I did not see your post below until just now, I pray your son's comps went well. 

Good morning!

My son is now ETN3 !! Graduation on Friday, hope they will upload pictures and will live stream. He also passed the dash-for-cash. Hooyah 

Thank you Chipmunk

Congratulations too Helena2000 

Gigi!

BZ to you and your sailor. It's probably more exciting for Mom's when our sailors advance. This is a great day!

Gigi - BZ to your sailor!

Northwoodsmom - I am sorry to hear that your son is struggling with the math portion of the program.  Hopefully he has helpful instructors that can get him through this.  Just remember that no matter what happens, it isn't the end of the world.

helena2000 - BZ to your son - San Diego is awesome!  Let me know if your son needs anything - I'm not far from SD.

JayDee - a stress fracture - oh no!  Be careful with that, you don't want it to end up worse!

I posted this picture with snow but we're supposed to be 77* today and 84* by Friday!  Sending sunshine to all of you!

Northwoodsmom - your son sounds a lot like mine who is on the older side too. We spent several frustrating years butting heads while he drifted aimlessly. I am thrilled that he finally found his place, I just wish it had come along a few years earlier or that I had even known it was a possibility. So many of our nukes fit the same mold - very bright but not set up for college. 

I am glad that he was well over 21 so drinking wasn't an issue.

My thoughts are with you.

Northwoodsmom I'm sorry to hear that the math is proving to be a challenge and then some. I was never good at math. My daughter tutored her now husband in math while in the pipeline. I'm sure that your son is taking advantage of any tutoring opportunities. I'll keep him in my prayers. 

Gigi BZ! 

Gigi, congratulations to you and your son. I remember how happy I was and we got to go see him that weekend and he was do pumped. He enjoyed A school alot but with doing the 3 subjects now is kicking his butt. Good Luck to him, have him start ramping up his vitamins.

Chipmunk, Helena, Gigi, B'sNukeMom,Canuka, Hammer and everyone else I might of missed. Your prayers and encouraging text me the world to me, so I thank you all. We haven't heard anymore from him but it seems that there were alot having trouble with the math part. They moved them all out to another class and there wasn't enough desk and chairs to accommodate them all. Perhaps, not saying there was anything wrong with the instructor but sometimes others can relate better and explain things clearer for some people. I know I experience that in my job alot. I just keep praying for him and encouraging the best I can. Plan to send a care package of vitamins and supplements, just hoping there is nothing that he can't have.  You all are such a Blessing, thank you!

helena2000 - My son is also in San Diego. He is on a sub. Is your son surface or sub? 

BsNukeMom-  I have a question about sharing a link to a video series.  Please PM me

Good Morning Everyone! May you all have a wonderful day!!

I have been posting about my new group on N4M in stages just because I have been busy, but I wanted to invite anyone who would like to, to come join our Beyond BC group. The page is not public, but if you are logged in you should be able to see it as a member. For now, it is open so that we can get the word out about it. In the future, it may become a closed group with invites and approvals. 

It is just a spill over from BC Mom group and a place to stay connected with those friends you made there but might have moved to other groups afterwards. We have an awesome support group here with the Nuke Moms group but not every rate is as active on this site, so I started this group to help some of the moms stay connected. 

New Adventures - I sent you a PM.

I’m not really sure if this is okay to share here. Admin please take it down if it’s not. And I’m sorry...

For Sailors who are in Power School, Moms- you may want to share this to them, I did! 

https://youtu.be/W0PGR4HHXso

Here's another link that New Adventures also shared with me.  It is on YouTube and it's the same sailor that Gigi shared the video of surviving Power School.  He seems well spoken and is offering his advice to get through the different schools in the pipeline.

I watched the videos and it reminds me a lot of what B told me when he went through the pipeline.  You can search youtube for him and more videos too.  I'll also post it over to the right under the pages section.

Surviving Prototype

I posted the links to the right under Pages (20).  You need to hit "View All" and you'll see it.

Thank you BsNukeMom!!

We need a lot of helpful tips and advice to share with our Nukes to help them out to survive. A lot of word of encouragement for both our Nukes and us moms as well.  My son told me I never studied this much in my whole life! Has not slept since he got there after the holidays off. He just finished 1 wheeew 2 more to go and moooreee sleepless nights to go...

Love and prayers for our Sailors 

Thanks for sharing with everyone.  I sent a link to my sailor who is just starting a new phase.  I think this guys give practical advice and has just finished Prototype and is in the ETL school so will be able to share that as well in time.

Hi Gigi - Did you hear from your son on his comps?

New Adventures - Thanks for sharing also. 

Maybe he can say the things I was trying to think of what I wanted to say to everyone the last few days but not had the ability to put the words in print. 

Yes Chipmunks, my son passed his comps and the dash for cash! His graduation is tomorrow. Today he was crazy running errands new uniforms need to be tailored with his new rank and seamstress won’t even touch his uniform unless it’s dry cleaned, he was whining about it Lol 

Gigi - I just realized that I had congratulated you in the other group, where you had posted it. Sorry!!! I have also been burning the candle at both ends so not thinking straight. 

Know Weigh, my son is going surface, but his choice was sub.

Helena2000 - my son is also on an aircraft carrier in San Diego. I sent you a friend request. 

Helena, I was told if you put subs down there was no way to get out of it. I am glad to know I have been misinformed. Thank you for there still is hope!

I will admit that I was a little relieved because I think he will be happier on a carrier based on what I know of his personality. 

Northwoodsmom, the submarine force has always been all-volunteer, which means they won't be assigned to a sub unless they do the "Sub Vol" form. Once they sign the Sub Vol, there isn't a way to un-volunteer. They are then eligible to be assigned to a submarine, but needs-of-the-a-Navy they may be assigned surface. There are a number of reasons the submarine sailors can be "surfaced", but I've never heard of a surface sailor being reassigned submarine.

My son jokes that NAVY is Never Again Volunteer Yourself.

Hope that helps.

Hi all - Happy Monday Afternoon!  This is how my Monday has been going lol!